SEVIS I-901 Fee Frequently Asked Questions

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7. How can the SEVIS I-901 fee paid on one SEVIS ID be moved to another SEVIS ID?

7.A. What are the basic rules for applying a SEVIS I-901 fee payment from one SEVIS ID number to another?

7.B. What do I do if I paid on one SEVIS ID number and now want to go to a different school or participate in a different exchange visitor program?

7.C. An exchange visitor program or other third party paid my SEVIS I-901 fee and now I want to participate in a different program? Can I transfer my SEVIS I-901 fee?

7.D. How do I ask SEVP to transfer the SEVIS I-901 fee payment information from one SEVIS ID number to another?

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7.A. What are the basic rules for applying a SEVIS I-901 fee payment from one SEVIS ID number to another?

The basic rules for moving a SEVIS I-901 fee payment between SEVIS ID numbers are:

• The SEVIS I-901 fee must be moved between SEVIS ID numbers for the same individual
• An additional SEVIS I-901 fee is not required (For more information, see the section, Do I pay the fee?)
• The SEVIS I-901 fee amount for the new school or program must be less than or equal to the SEVIS I-901 fee already paid (see the Fee Amount Chart)
• Only the student or exchange visitor may request the move

Follow the directions for requesting that SEVP move your fee payment.

7.B. What do I do if I paid on one SEVIS ID number and now want to go to a different school or participate in a different exchange visitor program?

If you have not received a visa or if you are visa exempt and have not applied for nonimmigrant status at the POE, you can apply the SEVIS I-901 fee that you already paid to another Form I-20 or DS-2019 if you meet the basic rules for reapplying fees.

Follow the directions for requesting that SEVP move your fee payment.

7.C. An exchange visitor program or other third party paid my SEVIS I-901 fee and now I want to participate in a different program? Can I transfer my SEVIS I-901 fee?

Yes, you may transfer the fee if you have not received a visa or if you are visa exempt and have not applied for nonimmigrant status at the POE and you meet the basic rules for transferring fees. Follow the directions for requesting that SEVP move your fee payment information.

7.D. How do I ask SEVP to transfer the SEVIS I-901 fee payment information from one SEVIS ID number to another?

If you want to transfer the SEVIS I-901 fee payment information from one SEVIS ID number to another, you need to mail or e-mail SEVP. SEVP will consider your request and determine if the fee can be transferred. See the section on the basic rules for transferring fees.

Put Fee Transfer in the subject line of your request. Give us your name, date of birth, the SEVIS ID number that you originally paid on and the SEVIS ID number you want to transfer the payment to, as well as a current, valid address where we can mail your updated Form I-797 receipt to you. Explain why the fee needs to be transferred. It will help speed your request if you include a copy of your original receipt or your receipt number. Include information on how to contact you if there are any questions.

SEVP will review your request and determine if the fee can be transferred. If your request is approved, you will receive an updated I-797 payment receipt reflecting the SEVIS ID from your new Form I-20 or DS-2019.

When you apply for any benefit where the SEVIS I-901 fee will be verified, you will need to provide a copy of the updated I-797 fee receipt.